The Basics
Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Where is it: Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in south-eastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia.
Why do people go here: Although still the site of beautiful wilderness, recent fighting and “ethnic cleansing” by the Serbs has left much of Bosnia and Herzegovina decimated. Tourists are slowing returning, although it will be many years before the country is able to restore itself to the splendor it showed the world during the 1984 Olympic Winter Games. Currently, ‘adventure travelers’ are most likely to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those to do venture into the country should take care to avoid the Republika Srpska, which has been the homeland of anti-Western insurgents.
What are the main entry points: Most travelers come to Sarajevo via bus from Croatia. Flights are also available from Zagreb to Sarajevo, but flights can be expensive.
Currency used: Marka
Country Code for Phones: 387
Area codes for Major Cities: Sarajevo 033
Religion: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10%
Population: 4.7 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Serb 37.1%, Bosniak 48%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6%
Government: Emerging federal democratic republic
Languages: Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian
Travel Information
Major Cities: Sarajevo
Attractions: Sarajevo, Mostar
Accommodation:Bosnia and Herzegovina Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Bosnia and Herzegovina //www.cco.caltech.edu/~bosnia/bosnia.html
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Medugorje
Health Issues: No vaccinations are required. Cash is the only method of payment for health services.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: The weather is mild year-round.
Common Phrases: Yes = Da, No = Nijedan, Please = Ugoditi, Thank you = Hvala vam, Do you speak English? = Govorite li engleski? (Croatian)
Specific Events/Holidays: National Day, 25 November (1943)
Getting Around: Railroads are not operational and it is dangerous to drive or bike. Buses are recommended.
Good to know: Thousands of land mines are scattered around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Do not set foot off of the pavement or pick up objects on the ground.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Sarajevo International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
